Licence to store petroleum

The London Fire Brigade is the Licensing Authority for the storage of petroleum in London.

For more information regarding petroleum storage licences, please refer to the London Fire Brigade website.

Licence for petroleum filling stations

The London Fire Brigade is also responsible for licences for petroleum filling stations.

Petrol is a highly volatile liquid and gives off flammable vapour even at very low temperatures. When this vapour is mixed with air in proportions between one per cent and eight per cent, a risk of fire or explosion exists.

Petrol vapour is heavier than air and does not disperse easily in still conditions. It tends to sink to the lowest possible level of its surroundings and may accumulate in tanks, cavities, drains, pits or other depressions.

Flammable atmospheres may also exist where clothing or other absorbent material or substances are contaminated with petrol. Petrol vapour can have acute or chronic effects if inhaled and therefore should be considered in the assessment required under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1999 (COSHH).

Petrol must be kept in accordance with conditions attached to a licence issued under the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act 1928. When an inspector appointed by the licensing authority visits a petrol filling station the aim is to ensure the observance, maintenance and, where necessary, the improvement of safety standards.

Other safety-related legislation is enforced by the local councils or the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), dependent on the main activity at the premises concerned.